The Economist – Is America dictator proof?
This week’s Economist asks: Is America dictator-proof? The many vulnerabilities, and enduring strengths, of America’s Republic.
Summary
America’s republic faces significant vulnerabilities alongside its enduring strengths. Following the Cold War, the American political model appeared unassailable. However, recent years have seen a decline in confidence among Americans. Factors such as reckless wars, financial crises, and institutional decay have intensified political battles, making presidential elections feel like high-stakes events. Leaders have publicly doubted the integrity of democracy, and attempts to obstruct the peaceful transfer of power have occurred. These issues have justifiably raised concerns about the resilience of the American system against rising authoritarianism.
The key takeaway is that relying solely on the Constitution to protect the republic is overly optimistic. The preservation of democracy relies heavily on the courage and convictions of individuals across the nation, particularly those responsible for creating and enforcing laws.
The latest business news
-
FT – Labour throws out proposal to bring back lifetime cap on tax-free pensions The front page of the Finanical Times reports on the Labour Party U-turn which will be welcomed by wealthier savers including hospital consultants.
-
City AM – TOWER POWER The front page of the London business paper City AM reports on the London office property market.
-
Mortgage crisis deepens as one in four face missing payments this year A quarter of Britain’s mortgage holders face missing their payments by the end of this year as interest rates continue to soar, analysis shows – with thousands told already that they could lose their homes. Some 1.6 million homeowners will come to the
-
Beckham scores Euros deal with China tech giant David Beckham has signed an agreement to serve as a global ambassador for AliExpress, an online retail platform owned by Chinese technology conglomerate Alibaba. The announcement coincides with the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament, set to start in Germany next month. The financial details of Beckham’s
-
Inflation in UK shops falls amid price cuts on furniture and TVs Biggest drop since November 2021 as ‘unseasonable’ weather pushes retailers to continue promotions Shop price inflation has eased to the lowest level since November 2021 after retailers cut the price of big purchases such as furniture and TVs as households keep a tight
-
National Grid taps shareholders to help fund £60bn low-carbon energy switch Infrastructure firm raises £6.8bn to connect homes to renewable energy sources across US and UK National Grid has tapped shareholders for nearly £7bn to fund a £60bn spending spree to upgrade its networks to cope with the switch to low-carbon energy on either side